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Class _£J1 



Book_-GLlBi_ 



3>3 



'■'T JX- *!5 



WHITES. 



DELIVERED IN THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 



ox THE 26th of mat, 1826. 



B? ELZAS BOUDZNOTT, 

A CHEROKEE INDIAN. 



phiijAdz:i:.fhia : 

PRINTED BY WILLIAM F. GEDDES. 
1826. 



B<35 



^ c 



ADBRBSS, &c. 



To those who are unacquainted with the manners, habits, and 
improvements of the Aborigines of this country, the term Indian 
is pregnant with ideas the most repelling and degrading. But 
such impressions, originating as they frequently do, from infant 
prejudices, although they hold too true when applied to some, do 
great injustice to many of this race of beings. 

Some there are, perhaps even in this enlightened assembly, who 
at the bare sight of an Indian, or at the mention of the name, 
would throw back their imaginations to ancient times, to the ra- 
vages of savage warfare, to the yells pronounced over the man- 
gled bodies of women and children, thus creating an opinion, 
inapplicable and highly injurious to those for whose temporal in- 
terest and eternal welfare, I come to plead. 

What is an Indian ? Is he not formed of the same materials 
with yourself? For " of one blood God created all the nations that 
dwell on the face of the earth."' Though it be true that lie is igno- 
rant, that he is a heathen, that he is a savage ; yet he is no more 
than all others have been under similar circumstances. Eighteen 
centuries ago what were the inhabitants of Great Britain ? 

You here behold an Indian, my kindred arc Indians, and my 
fathers sleeping in the wilderness grave — they too wc:c Indian". 



But I am not as mj fathers ucre — broader means and nobler in- 
^uences have fallen upon nic. Yet I was not born as tliousands 
are, in a stately dome and amid tiie congratulations of the great, 
for on a little hill, in a lonely cabin, overspread by the forest oak, 
I first drew my breath; and in a language unknown to learned 
and polished nations, I learnt to lisp my fond mother's name. In 
after days, I have had greater advantages than most of my race ; 
and I now stand before you delegated by my native country to seek 
her interest, to labour for her respectability, and by my public 
efforts to assist in raising her to an equal standing with other na- 
tions of the earth. 

The time has arrived when speculations and conjectures as to 
the practicability of civilizing the Indians must forever cease. A 
period is fast approaching when the stale remark — " Do what you 
will, an Indian will still be an Indian," must be placed no more 
in speech. \Vith whatever plausibility this popular objection may 
have heretofore been made, every candid mind must now be sen- 
sible that it can no longer be uttered, except by those who are 
uninformed with respect to us, who arc strongly prejudiced 
against us, or uhoare filled \\\i\\ vindictive feelings towards us : 
for the present history of the Indians, jjarticularly of that nation 
to which I belong, most incontrovertibly establishes the fallacy of 
this remark. I am aware of the difficulties which have ever ex- 
isted to Indian civilization, I do not deny the almost insurnmunt- 
able obstacles whicli we ourselves have thrown in the way of this 
improvca»cnl, nor do I say that difiiculties no longer remain ; but 
fiicte will permit me to liedare that there arc none which may not 
easily be overcome, by strong and continued exertions. It needs 
not abstract reasoning to prove this position, it needs nut the dis- 
play of language to prove to the minds of gooil men, that Indians 
are susceptible of attainments necessary to the formation ol po- 
(jslied socrefy. It a«*cds not the power of argument on the na- 



ture of man, to silence forever the remark that " it is the purpose 
of the Almighty that the Indians should be exterminated." It 
needs only that the world should know what we have done in tiie 
few last years, to foresee what yet we may do with the assistance 
of our white brethren, and that of the common Parent of us all. 

It is not necessary to present to you a detailed account of the 
various aboriginal tribes, who have been known to you only on the 
pages of history, and there but obscurely known. They have 
gone; and to revert back to their days, would be only to disturb 
their oblivious sleep; to darken these walls with deeds at 
which humanity must shudder ; to place before your eyes the 
scenes of Muskingum Sahta-goo and the plains of Mexico, to 
call up the crimes of the bloody Cortes and his infernal host ; and 
to describe the animosity and vengeance which have overthrown, 
and hurried into tlie shades of death those numerous tribes. But 
here let me say, that however guilty these unhappy nations may 
have been, yet many and unreasonable were the wrongs they suf- 
fered, many the hardships the}' endured, and many their wander- 
ings through the trackless wilderness. Yes, "notwithstanding 
the obloquy with which the early historians of the colonies have 
overshadowed the character of the ignorant and unfortunate na- 
tives, some bright gleams will occasionally break through, that 
throw a melancholy lustre on their memories. . Facts are occa- 
sionally to be met with in their rude annals, which, though re- 
corded with all the colouring of prejudice and bigotry, )et speak 
for themselves, and will be dwelt upon with applause and sym- 
pathy when prejudice shall have passed away." 

Nor is it my purpose to enter largely into tlie consideration of 
tlie remnants, of those who have fled with time and are no more — 
They stand as monuments of the Indian's fate. And should they 
ever become extinct, they must move off the earth, a* did their. 



t'atheis. My design is to ofter a few disconnected facts relative to 
the present improved state, and to tiie ultimate prospects of that 
particular tribe called Cherokees to which I belong. 

The Cherokee nation lies within the chartered limits of the 
states of Georgia, Tennesece.and Alabama. Its extent as defined by 
treaties is about 200 miles in length from East to West, and about 
120 in breadth. This country which is supposed to contain about 
10,000,000 of acres exhibits great varieties of surface, the most 
part being hilly and mountaneous, affording soil of no value. The 
vallies, however, arc well watered and all'urd excellent land, in 
many parts particularly on the large streams, tiiatof the first qual- 
ity. Tlie climate is temperate aud healthy, indeed I would not 
be guilty of exaggeration were I to say, that the advantages wliich 
this country possesses to render it salubrious, are many and supe- 
rior. Those loft3' and barren mountains, defying the labour and 
ingenuity of man, and supposed by some as placed there only ti* 
exhibit omnipotence, contribute to the healthiness and beauty ol 
the surrounding plains, and give to us that free air and pure water 
which distinguish our country. These advantages, calculated 
to make the inhabitants healthy, vigorous, and intelligent, cannot 
{'ail to cause this country to become interesting. And there can be 
no doubt t!uit the Cherokee Nation, however obscure and trilling it 
may now appear, will linally become, if not under its present occu- 
pants, one of the Garden spots of America. And here, let me be 
indulged in the fund wish, that she may thus become under those 
who now possess her; and ever be fostered, regulated and protectvd 
by the generous governnu-nt of the Uuited States. 

The pupulatioii of the Cherokee Nation increasetl from the year 
IHIO to that of 1824, 2000cxclusive of those who emigrated in 1HI8 
and I'J to the west of the Mississippi — of those who reside on tlo 
Arkansas the number is supposed to be abont 5O00. 



Tiie rise of these people in their moven^ent towards civilization, 
may be traced as far back as the relinquishment of their towns ; 
when game became incompetent to their support, by reason of the 
surrounding white population. They then betook themselves to 
the woods, commenced the opening of small clearings, and the 
raising of stock; still however following the chase. Game has since 
become so scarce that little dependence for subsistence can be 
placed upon it. They have gradually and I could almost say 
universally forsaken their ancient employment. In fact, there is not 
a single family in the nation, that can be said to subsist on the 
slender support which the wilderness would afford. The love and 
the practice of hunting are not now carried to a higher degree, 
than among all frontier people whether white or red. It cannot 
be doubted, however, that there are many who have commenc- 
ed a life of agricultural labour from mere necessity, and if they 
could, would gladly resume their former course of living. But 
these are individual failings and ought to be passed over. 

On the other hand it cannot be doubted that the nation is im- 
proving, rapidly improving in all those particulars which must 
finally constitute the inhabitants an industrious and intelligent 
people. 

It is a matter of surprise to me, and must be to all those who 
are properly acquainted with the condition of the Aborigines of 
this country, that the Cherokees have advanced so far and so rap- 
idly in civilization. But there are yet powerful obstacles, both within 
and without, to be surmounted in the march of improvement. The 
prejudices in regard to them in the general community are strong 
and lasting. The evil effects of their intercourse with their imme- 
diate white neighbours, who differ from them chiefly in name, are 
easily to be &een, and it is evident that from this intercourse pro- 
ceed those demoralizing practices which in order to surmount, pe- 



culiar and unremitting eftbrts are necessary. In defiance, however^ 
of these obstacles tiieClierokees iiave improved and arc still rapid- 
ly improving. Togive you a further view of their condition, I will 
here repeat some of die articles of the two statistical tables taken 
at different periods. 

In ISlOThere were 19,500cattle; 6,100 horses; 19,600swine; 
1,037 sheep; 467 looms; 1,600 spinning wheels; 30 waggons; 
500 plough* ; 3 saw-mills; 13 grist-mills &c. At this time there 
are 2i:,000 cattle; 7,600 Horses; 4(3,000 swine ; 2,500 sheep; 
762 looms ; 2488 spinning wheels ; 172 waggons ; 2,943 ploughs ; 
10 saw-mills; 31 grist-mills ; 62 Blacksmith-shops ; 8 cotton ma- 
chines ; 18 schools ; 18 ferries ; and a number of public roads. In 
one district there were, last winter, upwards of 0000 volumes of 
good books ; and 11 different periodical papers both religious and 
political, which were taken and read. On the public roads there 
are many decent Inns, and few iiouses for convenience, &c., would 
disgrace any countr} . Most of the schools are under the care and tu- 
ition of christian missionaries, of diQerent denominations, who have 
been of great service to the nation, by inculcating moral and reli- 
gious principles into the minds of tlie rising generation. In many 
places the word of God is regularly preached and explained, both 
by missionaries and natives ; and there are numbers who have j)ub- 
licly professed their belief and interest in the merits of the great 
Saviour of the world. It is worthy of remark, that in no ignoiant 
country have the missionaries undergone less trouble and dilliculty, 
in spreading a knowledge of the Bible, than in this. Here, they 
have been welcomed and eniouraged by the proper authorities ol 
the nation, their persons have been protected, and in wry lew in 
stances have some individual vagabonds threatened violence to them. 
Indeed it may be said with truth, that among no heathen people 
has the faithful minihterof (aod experienced greater success, great- 
er reward for hiii labour, than in this. He is surrounded by atten 



tive hearers, the words which flow from his lips arc not spent in 
vain. TheCherokees have had no established religion of their own, 
and perhaps to this circumstance we may attribute, in part, the fa- 
cilities with which missionaries have pursued their ends. They 
cannot be called idolators; for they never worshipped Images. 
They believed in a Supreme Being, the Creator of all, ihe God of 
the white, the red, and the black man. They also believed in the 
existence of an evil spirit who resided, as they thought, in the set- 
ting sun, the future place of all vvho in their life time had done in- 
iquitously. Their prayers were addressed alone to the Supreme 
Being, and which if written would fill a large volume, and display 
much sincerity, beauty and sublimity. When the ancient customs 
of the Cherokees were in their full force, no warrior thought him- 
self secure, unless he had addressed his guardian angel; no hunter 
could hope for success, unless before the rising sun he had asked 
the assistance of his God, and on his return at eve he had oftered 
his sacrifice to him. 

There are three things of late occurance, which must certainly 
place the Cherokee Nation in a fair light, and act as a powerful 
argument in favor of Indian improvement. 



First. The invention of letters. 

Second. The translation of the New Testament into Cherokee 

And third. The organization of a Government. 



(X="5 



The Cherokee mode of writing lately invented by George Guest, ^ 
who could not read any language nor speak any other than his 
own, consists of eighty-six characters, principally syllabic, the 
combinations of which form all the words of the language. Their 
terms may be greatly simplified, yet they answer all the purposes' 
ot writing, and already many natives use them. 

B 



10 

I'he translation of the New Testament, together with Guest's 
laoJe of writing, has swept away that barrier which has long ex- 
isted, and opened a spacious channel for the instruction of adult 
Cherokees. Persons of all ages and classes may now read the 
precepts of the Almighty in their own language. Before it is 
long, there will scarcely be an individual in the nation who can say, 
"I know not God neither understand I what thou sayest," for 
all shall know Iiim from the greatest to tlie least. The aged 
warrior over whom has rolled three score and ten years of 
savage life, will grace tlie temple of God with his hoary head ; 
and the little child yet on tlic breast of its pious mother shall learn 
to lisp its Maker's name. 

The shrill sound of the Savage yell shall die away as the roar- 
ing of far distant thunder; and Heaven wrought music will gladden 
the afliighted wilderness. "The solitary places will be glad for 
them, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as a rose." Already 
do we sec the niorning star, forerunner of approaching dawn, ris- 
ing over the tops of tliosc deep (orcsts in which for ages have echoed 
the warrior's whoop. But has not God said it, and will he not do it: 
The Almighty decrees his purposes, and man cannot with all his 
ingenuity and device countervail them. They are more fixed in 
their course tlian the rolling sun — more durable than the everlast- 
ing mountains. 

The Government, though defective in many respects, is well 
suited to the condition of tlie inhabitants. As they rise in infor- 
mation and refinement, changes in it must follow, until they arrive 
at that state of advancement, when I trust they will be admitted 
into alt the privileges of the American family. 

The Cherokee Naticm is divided into eight districts, in each of 
which arc estaltlished courts of justice, where all disputed cases arc 
decided by a Jury, under the direction of a circuit Judge, who ha« 



11 



•jurisdiction over two distiicts. SherilTs and other publice officers 
are appointed to execute the decisions olthe courts, collect debts, 
and arrest thieves and other criminals. Appeals may be taken to 
the Superior Court, held annually at the seat of Government. 
The Legislative authority is vested in a General Court, which con- 
sists of tlie National Committee and Council. The National Com- 
mittee consists of thirteen members, who are generally men of 
sound sense and fine talents. The National Council consists of 
thirty-two members, beside the speaker, who act as the representa- 
tives of the people. Every bill passing these two bodies, becomes 
the law of the land. Clerks are appointed to do the writings, and 
record the proceedings of the Council. The executive power is 
vested in two principal chiefs, who hold their office during good 
behaviour, and sanction all the decisions of the legislative council. 
Manvofthe laws display some degree of civilization, and establish 
the respectability of the nation. 

Polygamy is abolished. Female chastity and honor are protect- 
ed by law. The Sabbath is respected by the Council during ses- 
sion. Mechanics are encouraged by law. The practice of put- 
ting aged persons to death for witchcraft is abolished and murder 
has now become a governmental crime. 

From what I have said, you will form but a taint opinion of 
the true state and prospects of the Cherokees. You will, how- 
ever, be convinced of three important truths. 

First, that the means which have been employed for the chns- 
tianization and civilization of this tribe, have been greatly blessed. 
Second, that the increase of these means will meet with final suc- 
cess. Third, that it has now become necessary, that efficient and 
more than ordinary means should be employed. 

Sensible of this last point, and wishing to do something for 



12 

ihcmselves, the Clierokees have thought it advisable that there 
should be established, a Printin"; Press and a Seminary of respec- 
table character; and for these purposes youraidand patronage are 
now solicited. They wish the types, as expressed in their resolu- 
tion, to be composed of English letters and Cherokee characters. 
Those characters have now become extensively used in Jhe na- 
tion ; their religious songs are written in tlicm ; there is an asto- 
nishing eagerness in people of all classes and ages to acquire a 
knowledge of tliem; and the New Testament has been translated 
into their language. All this impresses on them theimmediate ne- 
cessity of procuring types. The most informed and judicious of 
our nation, believe that such a press would go further to remove 
ignorance, and her oflspring superstition and prejudice, than all 
other means. The adult part of the nation v.ill probably grovel 
on in ignorance and die in ignorance, without any fair trial upon 
them, unless the proposed means are carried into effect. The 
simplicity of this method of writing, and the eagerness to obtain 
a knowledge of it, are evinced by the astonishing rapidity with 
vhich it is accjuired, and by the numbers wlio do so. It is about 
two years since its introduction, and already there are a great 
many who can read it. In the neighbourhood in whicli I live, 
I do not recollect a male Cherokee, between the ages of fifteen 
and twenty five, who is ignorant of this mode of writing. But in 
conncNion with those for Cherokee characters, it is necessary to 
have types for English letters. Tliere are many who already speak 
and read the English language, and can appreciate the advantages 
which would rc-ult from the publication of tlieir laws am! trans- 
actions in a well conducted newspaper. Such a paper, compris- 
ing a summary (»f religious and political events, &.c. on the one 
hand; and on the otlier, exhibiting the feelings, disposition, im- 
provements, and prospects of the Indians ; their traditions, their 
true character, as it once was and as it now is; the \\ays and 
means n»ost likeK' to throw the mantle of civili/.alion over all 



IS 

tribes; and such other matter as will tend to diftuse proper and 
correct impressions in regard to their condition — such a paper 
could not fail to create much interest in the American communi- 
ty, favourable to the aborigines, and to have a powerful influence 
on the advancement of the Indians themselves. How can the pa- 
triot or the philanthropist devise efficient means, without full and 
correct information as to the subjects of his labour. And I am 
inclined to think, after all that has been said of the aborigines, 
after all that has been written in narratives, professedly to elucidate 
the leading traits of their cliaracter, that the public knows little 
of that character. To obtain a correct and complete knowledge 
of these people, there must exist a vehicle of Indian intelligence, 
altogether dilFerent from those which have heretofore been employ- 
ed. Will not a paper published in an Indian country, under pro- 
per and judicious regulations, have the desired eflcct? I do not 
say that Indians will produce learned and elaborate dissertations 
in explanation and vindication of their own character; but they 
may exhibit specimens of their intellectual efforts, of their elo- 
quence, of their moral, civil and physical advancement, which 
will do quite as much to remove prejudice and to give profitable 
information. 

The Cherokees wish to establish their Seminary, upon a footing 
which v\ill insure to it all the advantages, that belong to such in- 
stitutions in the states. Need I spend one moment in arguments, 
in favour of such an institution ; need I speak one word of the util- 
ity, of the necessity, of an institution of learning ; need I do more 
than simply to ask the patronage of benevolent hearts, to obtain 
that patronage. 

When before did a nation of Indians step forward and ask for the 
means of civilization? The Cherokee authorities have adopted the 
measures already stated, with a sincere desire to make their nation 
an intelligent and a virtuous people, and with a full hope that those 



14 

who have already jjoiiited out to them the load of happiness, will 
now assist them to pursue it. With that assistance, what are tlie 
prospi'cls of the Chcrokees? Are they not imieed j^loi ious, compa- 
red to that deep darkness in which the nobler qualities of their 
souls have slept. Yes, methinks I can view my native country, ri- 
sing from the ashes oflier dej^radation, wearing lier purified and 
beautiful garments, and taking her seat with the nations of the earth. 
T can behold hor sons bursting the fetters of ignorance and unshack- 
ling her from tht* vices of heathenism. She is at thisinstant.risen like 
the first morning sun, which grows brighter and brigliter, until it 
reaches its (uincss of glory. 

Slie will become not a great, but a faitliful allyof tiie the United 
States. In times of peace she will plead the common liberties of 
America. In times of war her ititrepid sons will sacrifice their 
lives in your defence. And because she will be useful to you in 
coming time, she asks you to assist her in her present struggles. 
She a?ks not for greatness; she seeks not wealth ; she pleads only 
for assistance to become respectable as a nation, to cnligiiton and 
ennoble her sons, and to ornament her daughters with modesty and 
virtue. She pleads for this assistance, too, because on her destiny 
hangs that of many nations. If she complete her civilization — then 
may we hope that all our nations will — then, indeed, jnay true 
patriots be encoui-aged in their ciVorts to make this world of the 
West, one continuous abode of eidightencd, free, and happy people. 

JJut if the Cherokee Nation fail in her struggle, if she die away, 
then all hopes arc blasted, and falls the fabric of Indian civilization. 
Their fathers were born in darkness, and have lied in darkness ; 
without your assistance so will their sons. You see, however, 
where the probability rests. Is there a soul whose narrowness 
wdl not permit the exercise of charity on such an occasion? Where 
is he that can withhold his mite from an objcci so noble.^ Who 



15 

can prefer a little of liis silver and gold, to the welfare of nations ot 
his fellow beings? Human wealth perishes with our clav, but that 
wealth gained in charity still remains on earth, to enrich our names, 
when we are gone, and will be remembered in Heaven, when the 
miser and his coffers have mouldered together in their kindred 
earth. The works of a generous mind sweeten the cup of affliction ; 
they enlighten the dreary way to the cold tomb ; they blunt the 
sting of death, and smooth his passage to the unknown world. 
When all the kingdoms of this earth shall die away and their beauty 
and power shall perish, his name shall live and shine as a twink- 
ling star; those for whose benefit he done his deedsof charity shall 
call him blessed, and tiiey shall add honor to his immortal head. 

There are, with regard to the Chcrokees and other tribes, two 
alternatives ; they must either become civilized and happy, or shar- 
ing the fate of many kindred nations, become extinct. If the Gen- 
eral Government continue its protection, and the American people 
assist them in their humble efforts, they will, they must rise. Yes, 
under such protection, and with such assistance, the Indian must 
rise like the Phoenix, after liaving wallowed for ages in ignorance 
and barbarity. But should this Government withdraw its care, and 
the American people their aid, then, to use the words of a writer, 
•' they will go the way that so many tribes have gone before them; for 
the hordes that still linger about the shores of Huron, and the tribu- 
tary streams of the Mississippi, will share the fate of those tribes that 
once lorded it along the proud banks of the Hudson ; of that gigan- 
tic race that are said to have existed on the borders of the Sus- 
quehanna; of those various nations that flourished about the Poto- 
mac and the Rhappahannoc, and that peopled the forests of the vast 
valley of wShenandoah. They will vanish like a vapour from the 
face of the earth, their very history will be lost in forgetfulness, 
and the places that now know them will know them no more." 



16 

There is, in Indian history, something very melancholy, and 
which seems to establish a mournful precedent for the future 
events of the few sons of the forest, now scattered over this vast 
continent. We have seen every where the poor aborigines melt 
away before the white population. I merely speak of the fact, 
without at all referring to the cause. We have seen, I say, one 
fiunily after another, one tribe after another, nation after nation, 
pass away; until only a few solitary creatures are left to tell the 
sad story of extinction. 

Shall this precedent be followed? I ask you, shall red men live, 
or shall they be swept from the carthr With you and this public 
at large, the decision chiefly rests. Must they perish? Must they 
all, like the unfortunate Creeks, (victims of the unchristian policy 
of certain persons,) go down in sorrow to their grave? 

They hang upon your mercy as to a garment. Will you push 
them from you, or will you save them? Let humanity answer. 



